Azadi Ride – Islamabad Club Cyclists Celebrate 78th Independence Day with a Family Ride
78th Independence Day was celebrated “the cyclists’ way” with a family bicycle ride organised by the Cycling Committee of the Club.
There was a heavy downpour on 14th August and while other cycling groups of the city cancelled their ride, the club cyclists’ family decided to go on whatever may come. So, we started together at 6 am, most participants wore national colours and had national flags on bicycles. In line with the tradition we stopped at Chand Tara chowk for National Anthem, the air filled with Pak sir zameen shad baad sang by the members. In true spirit of patriotisms and national unit, braving the weather and wet roads, we merrily rode together stopping at convenient intervals to regroup. The route covered 7th Avenue, Margalla Road, Constitution Avenue and Srinagar Highway. Club security staff provided excellent support all the way.
After completing the ride, the members gathered at cricket pavilion for the cake cutting and prize distribution. The ceremony started with national anthem. Committee Member, Mr. Mirvias Niaz did tilawat e Quran and led dua for the martyrs who lost their lives in 1947 and then for the motherland in these 78 years. That was followed by prize/ gift distribution and a lucky draw that was partly sponsored by Haji Yahya Ghulam Ghous Jewelers. Early bird prizes went to first ten registering participants. Gifts were presented to Col.(R) Mazhar Faiz and Raahim Omer being eldest and youngest participant respectively. Luck favoured five members whose name came up in draws. Emaan Faisal, a member’s daughter, enthralled the gathering by beautiful rendition of a milli naghma.
Convenor Mr. Azher Ali Choudhry recognised the efforts of the fellow committee members specially Ms. Sehrish Masood and Mr. Mirvais Niaz for proactively organising the event and Mr.Haroon General for leading & guiding the riders. He thanked the participants for resounding success of the event. Services of club staff especially Anwar Khattak, Maj (R) Safdar Shah, Kamran and Iftikhar were appreciated for their efforts.
The riders joined committee members for ceremonial cake cutting. The air was again filled by slogans of Pakistan Zindabad. The event ended with everyone filled with national pride and wishing “Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad”.
